Abstract

This paper evaluates the scattering loss in ZrF₄-based fluoride optical fibers that is caused by ZrF₄ and ZrO₂ crystallites. To determine this, efficiency factors of each of these crystals are calculated. We make clear that the presence of ZrO₂ crystals of the order of a submicron smaller than 0.2 μm in diameter effectively elevates the Rayleigh scattering factor as the particle number increases. Scattering loss characteristics in current fluoride fibers are also discussed. In addition, ZrO₂ microcrystals in fluoride fibers are identified for the first time using Raman microprobe analysis. It is concluded that ZrO₂ microcrystals cause serious extrinsic scattering loss in current ZrF₄-based fluoride fibers.

© 1987 Optical Society of America

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